The tented theatre next to the Allianz Arena is showing Anything Goes but few
expect anything surprising here tonight. Arsenal need three goals to
progress and their likely line-up suggests they are focused on the Premier
League top four not the Champions League last eight.

Leading voice: Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen (centre) says his side can do the impossible and beat the seemingly unbeatable BayernPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

Bayern Munich have not lost since Oct 28, touts are asking €400 a ticket with the locals anticipating another supreme demonstration of their team’s power.

Bayern boast a strength in depth that Arsenal can only dream of. Bastian Schweinsteiger’s suspension simply means a start for the Brazilian Luiz Gustavo alongside Javi Martinez. Franck Ribery’s injury means that Arjen Robben arrives to supply the width with Thomas Müller. Quality replaces quality. Arsenal are without the injured Jack Wilshere and seemingly without hope.

If Gervinho, Francis Coquelin and other second-stringers do start, preserving the regulars for Swansea City this weekend, the Arsenal fans who have spent good money and taken time off work could be forgiven for voicing their dismay.

“Arsène Wenger always had really good players, world-class players, but if you look at the last two years [and more], you have to say that the absolute top players have been transferred to other clubs,’’ said Bayern’s coach Jupp Heynckes.

“Talented players have come in but for every manager it is essential that if you want to play at the absolute top level, whether you are Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Real Madrid, you have to have the players to do that. I think that at Arsenal maybe it has been a bit more difficult for Arsène Wenger.” Heynckes spoke warmly of the Frenchman. He admires Wenger’s longevity.

Heynckes knows the cruel uncertainty of his profession, having been dismissed at Real Madrid in 1998 days after leading the team to the European Cup. The same could happen here with Heynckes winning the Champions League before stepping down to be succeeded by Pep Guardiola.

The thought of Wenger being under pressure clearly vexed Heynckes. “I would be very sad if he was not actively involved any more but I imagine he will continue,’’ said the

67-year-old. “Arsène Wenger has not just brought success to Arsenal. He is a very creative manager, producing almost fantasy football. The football they have played is fantastic year after year. Always his teams played the most attractive football but maybe not the most successful football. For me in the last 10 to 15 years he has been one of the best managers in Europe.

“I know with certainty they will come to the Allianz Arena and give everything to get a result. Last year Arsenal lost to AC Milan 4-0 and in the second leg they won it 3-0 and could have scored a fourth due to the chances they had. You can see from that how much I respect Arsene.’’

Arsenal’s captain, Thomas Vermaelen, also had supportive words for Wenger. “We owe the manager,’’ said Vermaelen. “We want to give him something back because he gives us confidence and belief. We go into this game to win and get through. Last year against Milan we almost did it and most people thought it was impossible.’’

The word “almost” hung in the air at the Allianz Arena. Vermaelen attempted to present a determined front. “In football anything can happen. Of course it’s difficult but we believe in it and football is a strange sport.”

The Belgian knows that he and his fellow defenders have been criticised many times this season. “We always take it personally. You have to keep going and not care too much about what people say. We are working on the defence every day of every week.’’

The defence is likely to come under extreme pressure again. Arsenal have to attack, allowing the likes of Robben and Müller, probably also the fullbacks Philipp Lahm and David Alaba, to race forward into space. “They have to pressure us from the start and we can play on the counter-attack,’’ said Lahm. “Arsenal are technically gifted. They are one of the top teams in Europe but right at the top level? I don’t think so.’’

Bayern are. They have Mario Mandzukic looking to get behind Vermaelen, Toni Kroos shooting from range and the commanding Manuel Neuer in goal.

Heynckes would not be seduced by the gushing praise showered on his team. He wants silverware first, plaudits second. “I have no interest in dividing up the skin before I kill the bear,’’ said Heynckes. “My team is not listening to those saying we are the best team in Europe at the moment.’’

Bundesliga representatives have certainly been highly acclaimed in Europe this season. “It is a surprise to have no English teams in the quarter-finals,’’ said Lahm. “They have a strong league and have gone quite far in the past. A lot of teams have caught up.’’ And overtaken.